Smaller Buses to Serve SW Polk Area

Friday

Nov 30, 2012 at 5:42 AM

The buses will shrink, but the service will expand on the Citrus Connection transit route between Lakeland and Bradley beginning Saturday. The new service called "Citrus Flex" will feature 10-passenger buses on the route that serves residents in Mulberry, Pierce and Bradley.

By TOM PALMERTHE LEDGER

LAKELAND | The buses will shrink, but the service will expand on the Citrus Connection transit route between Lakeland and Bradley beginning Saturday.

The new service called "Citrus Flex" will feature 10-passenger buses on the route that serves residents in Mulberry, Pierce and Bradley.

The "flex" part of the service involves plans to provide curb-to-curb service for transit riders within three-quarters of a mile from State Road 37 for areas that do not have access to traditional bus stops, said Tom Phillips, the system's executive director.

What this means is that for the first time residents in the mobile home communities of Paradise Lakes, Anglers Green and Lake Point Village will have access to public transportation for medical trips, social outings, and employment.

In downtown Mulberry, the buses will stop at locations such as Mulberry High School and Middle School, City Hall and the adjacent library and museum and McDonald's restaurant.

To request this new service, transit riders will need to call 863-688-7433 at least 24 hours in advance.

Residents can make reservations as much as 60 days in advance for trips to jobs or medical appointments and should make sure they give themselves enough time to reach their destinations promptly.

"Flex is a shared ride service, so customers should be prepared for the possibility of multiple dropoffs or pickups, before reaching their destination," Phillips said.

Meanwhile, the traditional bus stops in the area will continue to be serviced.

Later in December, Polk Transit will be introducing a Haines City to Poinciana route and a Haines City-Four Corners route.